Eniola Yekini
New Zealand has opened its Pathway Student Visa to international students seeking to complete up to three consecutive courses under a single visa, with eligible applicants able to remain in the country for up to five years.
The visa allows students to progress through an approved study pathway without applying for a new student visa for each programme, provided they meet the requirements for their subsequent courses.
According to Immigration New Zealand, the visa costs from NZD $750, while 80 per cent of applications are processed within eight weeks.
Under the scheme, students can study up to three programmes one after another as part of an approved pathway.
Students can also take a break of up to 16 weeks between programmes, such as a holiday between secondary school and university, while remaining within the approved pathway.
The visa may be issued for up to five years, although the actual duration depends on the student’s study pathway and other factors, including passport validity.
Students moving to a second or third programme must meet the prerequisites for those courses to continue staying in New Zealand under the Pathway Student Visa.
Eligible students may work part-time for up to 25 hours a week while studying and may be permitted to work full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions attached to their course and visa.
The visa also allows holders to travel in and out of New Zealand while their visa remains valid and includes the required travel conditions.
To qualify, applicants must first receive a valid study pathway from an approved pathway education provider or providers.
The provider must issue a letter of support identifying the courses that make up the pathway and stating the start and end dates for each programme.
Where more than one education provider is involved, a joint letter of support may be required.
Applicants must also provide evidence that they can pay their tuition fees and living expenses, or have an acceptable sponsor or scholarship.
Immigration New Zealand requires applicants to have full medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay and to meet health and character requirements.
Students must also demonstrate that they have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand and plans to leave the country when their authorised stay ends.
Immigration New Zealand said applications for the Pathway Student Visa must be submitted online, as paper applications are no longer accepted.
The government also strongly encourages international students to apply about three months before their intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and other preparations.
Students who already hold a New Zealand student visa must provide evidence showing that they are making satisfactory academic progress and meeting attendance requirements when applying for the pathway visa.
Family members cannot be included in the student’s main application, although eligible partners and dependent children may apply for their own visas based on their relationship with the student.
The Pathway Student Visa is aimed at students with a clearly defined progression plan and gives eligible international students the opportunity to complete multiple stages of their education in New Zealand under one visa arrangement.